New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significant changes in India’s relations with West Asian countries since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Speaking at Flame University in Pune, he emphasized the active diplomatic initiatives that have strengthened ties with nations that were historically less engaged with India.

One key example is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Modi’s visit in 2015 marked only the second time an Indian Prime Minister visited since Indira Gandhi. Jaishankar noted that prior to this, there had been little effort to connect with the UAE despite its geographic proximity.

He mentioned that many countries are reevaluating their relationships with India, especially due to China’s growing influence in the region. Countries are looking to optimize their relationships, he stated, acknowledging that some have turned to China for benefits.

Focusing on the Maldives, Jaishankar explained that India plays a vital role in fulfilling the island nation’s needs, offering unique trade concessions and executing projects like the Jal Jeevan Mission, which provides essential water and sanitation services. He also recently inaugurated water and sewerage projects across 26 islands, demonstrating India’s commitment to the region.

On China, Jaishankar discussed ongoing negotiations aimed at disengagement and de-escalation at the border, underscoring that the current situation has negatively impacted overall relations.